Kia has officially launched its brand-new compact SUV, the Kia Syros, in the Indian car market, and it’s already creating a buzz. Priced starting at Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom), this SUV is designed for buyers who are looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and practical car in a compact size. With the Syros, Kia is targeting urban buyers who want luxury touches and everyday usability, but without going overboard on size or budget.
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about the Kia Syros — from trims, features, and engine options to how it compares with Kia’s other popular SUVs like the Sonet and the Seltos.
What Makes Kia Syros Different?
Kia Syros has been built on a different platform from the Sonet and Seltos, which allows it to offer a unique design and driving experience. It follows Kia’s latest international design philosophy, so visually, it stands out with its bold and modern appearance. The SUV is compact, yet offers premium styling cues like sharp LED lighting, a signature tiger-nose grille, and sleek alloy wheels.
This design not only makes it attractive on city roads but also gives it a sporty, youthful appeal — something that modern urban buyers are increasingly looking for.
Booking and Launch Details

If you are planning to buy the Syros, you can book it now by paying a token amount of ₹25,000. This initial booking amount is refundable in most cases and allows you to be among the early customers once deliveries start.
Variants and Colour Options
The Kia Syros is available in four main trims:
- HTK
- HTK+
- HTX
- HTX+
This variant spread gives customers plenty of flexibility to choose a model that fits their needs and budget.
You also get to choose from eight eye-catching colour options, which include:
- Glacier White Pearl
- Sparkling Silver
- Pewter Olive
- Intense Red
- Frost Blue
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Imperial Blue
- Gravity Grey
These colours not only enhance the Syros’ road presence but also give buyers plenty of choices to express their personal style.
Engine Options: Petrol and Diesel
One of the key highlights of the Syros is that it comes in both petrol and diesel engine options, something not all compact SUVs in this price range offer anymore.
Petrol Engine (G1.0 T-GDI Turbocharged Petrol):
- HTK – ₹9 lakh
- HTK (O) – ₹10 lakh
- HTK+ – ₹11.50 lakh
- HTK+ (7DCT Automatic) – ₹12.80 lakh
- HTX – ₹13.30 lakh
- HTX (DCT) – ₹14.60 lakh
- HTX+ (DCT) – ₹16 lakh
This turbo-petrol engine is ideal for city drivers who want a peppy, responsive engine with great mileage. The option of a 7-speed DCT automatic makes it easier to handle in heavy traffic.
Diesel Engine (1.5L CRDi VGT):
- HTK (O) – ₹11 lakh
- HTK+ – ₹12.50 lakh
- HTX – ₹14.30 lakh
- HTX+ (6AT Automatic) – ₹17 lakh
The diesel variants are ideal for long-distance highway commuters or buyers in regions where diesel is still a popular fuel choice. These engines provide excellent torque, better fuel economy for long drives, and durability.
ADAS Features and Safety
For buyers interested in advanced safety and driving features, Kia is offering ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) as an optional add-on for ₹80,000 — available on the top variants only.
ADAS features include things like:
- Lane Keep Assist
- Auto Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
These technologies are usually seen in higher-end vehicles, so their presence in a compact SUV is a big deal and adds a layer of futuristic convenience and safety.
How Does the Syros Compare to Kia Sonet and Seltos?
Let’s take a quick look at how the Syros stacks up against its Kia siblings.
Model | Base Variant Price | Top Variant Price |
---|---|---|
Kia Sonet | ₹8 lakh | ₹15.70 lakh |
Kia Syros | ₹9 lakh | ₹17 lakh |
Kia Seltos | ₹11.13 lakh | ₹20.51 lakh |
- Sonet is Kia’s entry-level SUV and comes with decent features. However, it lacks some premium options like ventilated seats or ADAS in most variants.
- Syros sits right in between, offering a nice balance of affordability and premium features.
- Seltos is the largest and most premium of the three, but also significantly more expensive.
If you’re someone who feels the Sonet is a bit basic but the Seltos overshoots your budget, the Syros could be the sweet spot.
Key Features of Kia Syros
Kia has loaded the Syros with a host of modern features to ensure both comfort and convenience. Some of the standout features include:
- Premium LED headlamps and DRLs – Great for visibility and looks
- Fully digital instrument cluster – Modern and informative
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system – With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Sunroof – Adds an open and airy feel to the cabin
- Ventilated front seats – Perfect for hot Indian summers
- Automatic climate control – Maintains cabin temperature automatically
- 6 airbags and ABS with EBD – Prioritizes passenger safety
- ADAS safety features – Optional on higher variants
Rear Seat Comfort and Space
Kia has put a lot of thought into making the Syros family-friendly. Rear seat space is impressive for a compact SUV. The back seats offer:
- Ample legroom and headroom
- Wide cushioned seats with good thigh support
- Rear AC vents for comfort on long journeys
This makes the Syros a practical choice for small families, especially those who often travel with elders or children.
Who Should Buy the Kia Syros?
If you’re someone who wants a compact SUV that delivers on both performance and luxury, the Syros makes a strong case.
- For city commuters: The petrol DCT variants offer effortless driving and great mileage.
- For highway travelers: The diesel automatic variants are fuel-efficient and powerful.
- For safety-focused buyers: The ADAS-equipped variants bring high-tech safety within budget.
- For family use: Spacious rear seats and a comfortable ride quality make it great for daily use.
Conclusion
Kia has positioned the Syros very strategically. It is more feature-loaded than Sonet but doesn’t command the high price tag of the Seltos. With its bold looks, tech-rich cabin, multiple engine options, and attractive pricing, Syros has everything going for it.
Whether you are upgrading from a hatchback or looking for a second family car, the Syros offers the right blend of practicality, performance, and value.
Now, it’s up to the Indian market to decide — but all signs point toward the Syros becoming another strong performer in Kia’s successful SUV lineup.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Kia Syros?
The Kia Syros is a newly launched SUV from Kia, positioned between the Sonet and the Seltos in the Indian market.
Q2. How much does the Kia Syros cost?
The starting price of the Kia Syros is expected to be between the Sonet and Seltos, offering a mid-range option for SUV buyers.
Q3. How does the Syros compare to the Sonet in terms of features?
The Syros offers more space and premium features compared to the Sonet, including a larger infotainment system and enhanced safety features.
Q4. Is the Kia Syros bigger than the Sonet?
Yes, the Syros is slightly larger and offers more cabin space, making it more comfortable for families.
Q5. How is the Kia Syros priced compared to the Seltos?
The Syros is more affordable than the Seltos but offers similar styling and some high-end features, making it a value-for-money alternative.